Photo by Dan McQuade

FOOD & DRINK: Enjoy a complimentary tequila tasting while you learn about the spirit’s origins in the “Highlands vs. Lowlands: A Cocktail Story” event at Oyamel (401 7th Street NW) tonight. This tequila tasting session is part of the larger Tequila and Mezcal Festival, which continues through March 18. 4:00-6:00 p.m. Free.

FUNDRAISER: Birch and Barley (1337 14th Street NW) is hosting a beer dinner, Pints to Help Half Pints, to benefit literacy non-profit 826DC tonight. Check out the full menu, featuring 5 courses and 9 craft beers. 7:00 p.m. Tickets: $150.

MOVIES: The Washington Psychotronic Film Society’s dog-themed movie month continues with Brazilian film A Dog’s Will at McFadden’s (2401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW). 8:00 p.m. $5 suggested donation.

BOOKS: Baseball’s Cal Ripken, Jr. makes an appearance at Politics and Prose (5015 Connecticut Avenue NW) this afternoon to sign copies of his children’s book, Super-sized Slugger. 3:30 p.m.

Coming up this week…

TUESDAY: Each year, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey march their elephants, clowns, and other performers through downtown D.C. to the Verizon Center, spreading the news that the circus is in town. While in past years this event has taken place in the afternoon, this Tuesday the Pachyderm Parade will be an evening event starting at 8:00 p.m. in Garfield Park (Virginia Avenue and New Jersey Avenue SE). Follow the @DCElephantWalk for updates. Free.

WEDNESDAY: Math geeks and dessert lovers alike can celebrate Pi(e) Day this Wednesday by enjoying “all-you-can-eat pie” at St. Stephen’s Church (1525 Newton Street NW). Options include banana cream pie with salty bourbon caramel, vegan avocado pie, classic key lime, and more. 6:00-8:30 p.m. $5 suggested donation.

THURSDAY: Prolific writer Jodi Picoult, (My Sister’s Keeper, Nineteen Minutes, Change of Heart) discusses her latest book, Lone Wolf, with Washington Post fiction Critic Ron Charles at Sixth and I Historic Synagogue (600 I Street NW) Thursday. 7:00 p.m. Tickets: $28 (includes admission and one book) or $38 (includes admission for two and one book).

FRIDAY: Kick off St. Patrick’s Day weekend with traditional Irish music performed by The Chieftains on their 50th anniversary tour at the Kennedy Center (2700 F Street NW) Friday. 8:00 p.m. $28-$65.

SATURDAY: If you missed D.C.’s St. Patrick’s Day parade this past weekend, head to Gaithersburg this Saturday for the Harp & Shamrock Society of Gaithersburg’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, featuring bagpipes, Celtic dancing, and much more. 10 a.m. Free.